Pollution Prevention

Story by Tyrone Cook and Robin Sullivan, Solid Waste Program Coordinators Army Reserve Installation Management Directorate

The recycling bins at two 88th Regional Support Command Facilities in Washington are literally overflowing. But, these increased recycling efforts are pushing the Army Reserve closer to its waste diversion goals.

The 88th Readiness Division has experienced significant increases in recycling at two of its facilities in Washington: Pier 23 and Victor L. Kandle Army Reserve Center, both in Tacoma.

The increase has required a change in the volume of the recycling services provided by the hauler.

Pier 23 has increased the frequency of its recycling service from bi-weekly to weekly.

The Area Maintenance Support Activity shop and Units Supply have been the keys to the increase in recycling at Pier 23. They have been diligent in ensuring that all material that can go into the single stream recycling service is placed in the proper containers. In addition, the custodial contractor has worked with the facility to properly dispose of the recycled materials in the facilities.

Victor L. Kandle Army Reserve Center has increased the size of its hauler-provided container, from a 60 gallon rolling tote to a two yard recycling dumpster.

The Facility Coordinator and the custodial contractor have been working together to increase the recycling in the facility.

Both of these sites will soon receive additional indoor recycling bins to support the recycling activities through the efforts of the 88th Readiness Division and the Army Reserve Installation Management Directorate to secure Unfinanced Requirement funds.

The staffs are looking forward to observing additional increases in recycling as more indoor infrastructure is installed in these facilities.

Water is essential for all life, but the quality of our water is equally essential for the health of our Earth and all its inhabitants.

Water quality describes the condition of water – mostly in regards to its suitability for a need or a purpose, such as consumption or recreation.

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, over 40 percent of American waterways suffer water quality issues, largely due to pollution of some persuasion.

If our water is polluted, we cannot drink it. We cannot fish from it. We cannot swim in it. To do so would create serious public health concerns. Quite simply, water pollution – or a lack of water quality – can threaten life as we know it.

But, you can do your part to protect water quality.

ONLY RAIN IN THE DRAINPrevent chemicals, oil, vegetation and trash from entering storm drains, which often flow to sources from which municipalities draw potable water. Waste in storm drains can lead to pollution that could render water sources unfit for consumption and recreation.

REDUCE YOUR USE OF CHEMICALS ON YOUR LAWN AND IN YOUR GARDENPesticides, herbicides and chemical fertilizers can penetrate ground water sources and cause water pollution. Consider natural pest management practices and organic fertilizers to prevent chemicals from infiltrating the aquifer.

CHOOSE BIO-BASED CLEANERS INSTEAD OF CHEMICAL-BASED CLEANERSChemicals from cleaners can travel from your household drains to municipal water supplies and recreational water sources. Choose plant-based cleaners to prevent the proliferation of chemicals in water.

DISCARD PRESCRIPTION DRUGS PROPERLYAn investigation by The Associated Press discovered that trace chemicals from prescription drugs can be found in the water supplies of over 40 million Americans. Do not discard prescription drugs in a sink or a toilet. Instead, surrender them to a law enforcement agency or a take-back program. If those options are not feasible, place prescription drugs in your household waste.

PUT FOG IN ITS PLACENo, not fog. FOG. Fat, oil and grease. These substances can clog water pipes and cause significant, expensive damage to water infrastructure and the environment. Do not pour fat, oil or grease down a drain. Instead, pour it into a sealable container and place the container in your household waste. Or, find an oil recycling program near you.